Head injury, minor
Minor head injuries are common in people of all ages and rarely result in any permanent brain damage.
If your child experiences a knock, bump or blow to the head, sit them down, comfort them, and make sure they rest. You can hold a cold compress to their head try a bag of ice or frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel.
The symptoms of a minor head injury are usually mild and shortlived. They may include:
If your child's symptoms get significantly worse, takethem straight to the accident and emergency (A&E) department of your nearest hospital or call 999 for an ambulance.
Signs of abrain injury after a head injury include:
If any of these symptoms occur after a head injury, immediately go to your nearest A&E department or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Each year around 700,000 people attend A&E departments with a head injuryin England and Wales. Of these,more than80% only have a minor injury.
The most common causes of head injuries are falls , assaults, and road traffic collisions.
Children are more likely to sustain a minor head injury because they're very active.
Most people who attend hospital with a minor head injury are allowed to return home shortly afterwards and will make a full recovery within a few days.
After attending hospital with a minor head injury, you'll usually be discharged fairly soon and be able to recover at home. Most people will make a full recovery in a few days.
For the first 24 hours after the injury, it's important for someone to stay with the injured person to keep an eye out for any new symptoms that develop.
It's also important to rest, avoid aggravating the injury with stressful situations, and avoid contact sports until fully recovered.
Mild headaches can be treated with paracetamol , but always read the manufacturer's instructions to ensure the correct dosage is taken. Don't giveaspirin to children under the age of16.
These include:
.
Information and advice about minor head injuries, including the typical symptoms and what to look out for, plus how minor head injuries can be treated and prevented.
Information and advice about the symptoms of a minor head injury, plus the signs of serious head injury and when to seek immediate medical attention.
Information and advice for adults and children about what to do after a minor head injury and when to seek medical attention.
Information and advice about preventing head injuries, including the use of safety helmets, childproofing your home, and safety at work and while playing sport.